Heslin due to return to the ProJo in January; buyout details later today
UDATE: Nine take buyouts; no layoffs for now
Guild president John Hill says nine ProJo staffers between news and advertising have agreed to take a buyout offer from management – one more than the target number. He says management says there will be no layoffs for now. The names of those taking the buyout are expected to be available Monday.
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Providence Journal executive editor Thomas Heslin, who went on medical leave from his job over the summer, is slated to return in January, says John Hill, president of the Providence Newspaper Guild.
In a memo to staff, Heslin had cited care related to his blood pressure as the reason for his leave.
Meanwhile, details are set to emerge at the close of business today about whether the desired eight news and/or advertising staffers have accepted buyouts at the ProJo. The company has indicated layoffs will take place without the targeted number of buyouts.
According to my ProJo sales rep, the newspaper transfered its marketing department to janitors and hired an outside advertsing agency for over $1 million. I have to wonder how a financial move like that is going to impact the paper moving forward. More buyouts/layoffs? If they raise my rates, I’m not going to advertise anymore.